Bicycle Is A Kickoff To 'Independent Life'

A Yorktown native will embark on a cross- country ride to benefit an environmental preservation group.

Andy Robinson, a film major and recent graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts, will set off on a cross-country bike ride Friday, departing from the Yorktown Victory Monument.

Along with British classmate Dominic Smith, Robinson plans to film as much of the venture as possible. The two hope to raise money for the World Wildlife Foundation and promote overall awareness for the safety of the environment.

Robinson graduated from Grafton High in 2002 and has always had a passion for nature and the preservation of the living world. He has donated to the Wildlife Foundation in the past.

"We really hope to promote an interest in alternate forms of transportation and express our desire for an increased public knowledge about the environment." he said.

Robinson got the idea for the cross-continental ride from a friend's dad, who accomplished it while they were in high school.

"He said that it was an excellent experience, a confidence-building event. And to see the country at less than 65 miles per hour is something everyone should be able to do."

Robinson also thought it would be a great opportunity to prepare his mind and body for his first true taste of the "real world."

"I did the math, and I've been in school for about 87 percent of my life," he said with a laugh. "So this is both a spiritual and physical journey that feels like a great way to kick off my independent life."

The idea for filming the trip came about once the friends realized they would be able to raise money for a foundation of their choice. As budding filmmakers, it also seemed like a great opportunity to make their mark and work toward something they believed in.

The journey will test the endurance and strength of the two young men, taking anywhere from 70 to 90 days to travel to San Francisco. They will face all kinds of weather, from the scorching heat of the heartland in August to chilling cold in higher elevations of the western states.

"As long as we make it through Colorado in 60 days, before the snow and freezing weather sets in, we should be fine," Robinson said.

For him, this is a grand adventure, but not the first time he's faced sporting challenges. As an Eagle Scout, he participated in Sailfest 2000, a challenging event that started in Boston and ended in Nova Scotia.

This bike ride will be Robinson's biggest feat yet, both physically and as a choice in his adult life. Robinson and Smith plan to stay in California once the trip is over to pursue their careers. Robinson has interned for production companies around the country, including Cartoon Network's Adult Swim in Atlanta. He has some prospects in Los Angeles, as well.

"I feel passionate about this kind of work," he said. "And I figure, if this is something I've really enjoyed doing in the past for free, I would love getting paid for it! Plus, we're prepared for our futures and have contacts in some promising places.

"We just hope we can give people an opportunity to see some positive lifestyle choices pertaining to natural preservation. There's a beautiful world out there and we've got to take care of it." *

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

* Follow Robinson and Smith's trip atwww.thegaba.com

* Learn more about the World Wildlife Foundation at www.worldwildlife.org/